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May 24, 2012 | By Paul Kelly
Susie Wheldon was presented with the Champion of Champions ring Thursday, May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that her late husband, Dan, earned for his unforgettable victory last May in the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus and Ken Keltner of Herff Jones presented the ring to Susie Wheldon. The Champion of Champions Ring by Herff Jones features 1 carat of diamonds and 14-karat gold. “I just want to take a moment to thank everybody for the outpouring of love and support over the past several months for me and my family,” Susie Wheldon said. “Everyone from Indianapolis, around the country and the world, my racing family and Dan’s fans. It has been so comforting to have the support of so many during such a difficult time. “I am honored to be here to be here to accept this Champion of Champions ring on behalf of my husband. Dan loved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and what it meant to win here, and I am proud to be here to represent him as a two-time winner. I’m proud to be here with my children, Sebastian and Oliver, to celebrate their father’s life and legacy and him as a great champion and ambassador of the Indianapolis 500. Thank you again for all of your love and support.” A charismatic fan favorite, Dan Wheldon earned his second “500” last year in dramatic fashion, taking the lead for the first on the final straightaway of the race. He also won the race in 2005.